More ways to make driving in NYC unaffordable
Glendale: Re “New York can’t stop fixing the subway” (op-ed, March 28): It is obvious that Claire Valdez, assemblywoman from Queens, hates car owners and drivers. Her op-ed is filled with proposals/ideas for how to make drivers pay for subway improvements such as a Vehicle-miles Traveled “fee” (a tax) charging cars for on-street parking, etc.
First, there are many people who have no choice but to drive to work. Secondly, the government doesn’t advertise it anymore, but there was a time when you bought gas and there was a breakdown on how the cost was arrived at. One of the biggest money-grabbers in the cost of gas is the government (not a surprise). This money was supposed to go to fixing the highways, streets, etc. Does anyone know how much gas tax is collected and where it goes? Please note that gas taxes, if used for upkeep of roads, also benefit buses used for mass transit. Why not raise the subway fare so the cost is about equal to the cost per ride? Attacking drivers is an easy target. I know many people who commute from New Jersey and go through Manhattan very early, when there is virtually no traffic, so how is stealing their money reducing congestion?
It seems the typical liberal politician in New York assumes that anyone who drives is well-off. That is not the case. In fact, there are many residents in Queens and Brooklyn who work on Long Island with no mass transit options. There are many workers who must bring equipment or tools with them. Politicians must stop attacking middle-class workers! Thomas Murawski
Seems the same
Manhattan: Has anybody on their commute noticed the MTA improvements since congestion pricing started three months ago? Neither did I. Thomas Bower
Rot rebel
Brooklyn: From day one, I’ve separated plastic, metal and paper in three labeled garbage pails in front of my house. If anyone thinks I’m gonna have rotting bones and vegetables in front of my house for a week in 95-degree heat while this law is only enforced on certain people, I’m from Brooklyn — come get me! Rocco Conti
Politically rich
Brooklyn: With absolutely no evidence, the President Trump-hating crowd is crowing with talk about Trump being involved with insider trading. Odd that they have nothing to say about the queen of insider trading, Nancy Pelosi, or the others who became rich beyond belief while drawing salaries of less than $200,000 (Adam Schiff, Jasmine Crockett, Chuck Schumer, etc.). Some of these have wealth in the millions. I say let DOGE take a close look at them all. Glenn Brown
Not-so-sleight of hand
Utica, N.Y.: Once again, Trump creates a crisis and then takes credit for solving it, like the arsonist who wants a medal for helping to put out the fire. Seems to us that his tariff scam was the same as his “illegals are eating your pets” scam. Remember “only I can fix it”? How obvious does this guy have to be before we get it? Jeff and Joan Ganeles
Strong-arming
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.: Trump likes to claim that he is the best dealmaker. He is not. A deal is a transaction in which both parties benefit. Trump is an extortionist. He gets everything and you get nothing. Tony Schwartz’s next book should be called “The Art of Extortion.” Bob English
Manipulated crisis
Brooklyn: We need leaders who not only talk the talk but walk the walk. Unfortunately, our current Republican elected leaders refuse to walk the walk. They want the problem to remain so they can win elections. If they were really interested in solving it, they would have passed the bipartisan immigration legislation agreed upon during the Biden administration. However, Trump was more interested in using immigration as an issue. This is just one indication of the lack of concern for the average American. There has been no proposed legislation by the Republican Congress, just hot air. The sad fact is that these immigrants are performing necessary jobs that Americans will not fill. The wages are low and unfortunately, there are not enough Americans with the necessary skills. We must provide training for Americans so we can reduce illegal immigration. Only then will there be a return to products produced in America. Alan Podhaizer
First principles
Manhattan: Apparently, Voicer Peter Sulzicki is unaware of something. The United States of America still has a Constitution. It is still the law of the land despite what a despot felon tries to do. Peter, learn how to spell it. Learn what it means. Your suggestion that some of us move to Russia is much more appropriate for you and for those who think like you. Living under the dictatorial government of Russia is exactly the type of government you desire. Richard Simon
Left to die
Chatham, N.J.: Cutting USAID has killed people around the world who would have otherwise survived. These include civilian men, women and children caught in the ongoing civil war in Sudan as well as victims of the earthquake in Myanmar, plus too many other locations to list. Trump’s policy gave China the opportunity to step in with highly visible aid workers in bright orange uniforms. They were the heroes while the U.S. was conspicuously absent. In Gaza, where children will die today while Israel and Hamas accuse each other of obstructing delivery of food, water and medical supplies, Trump promises to build hotels and casinos — the modern equivalent of “Let them eat cake.” Some Gazans may choose not to work as cleaning staff in the hotels and casinos built where their homes and businesses once stood. They will seek refuge in other countries. Wherever they land, it will be in a world without USAID. Paul Denk
Missed these two
Demarest, N.J.: To Voicer Pauline Graham Binder: Did you forget about Marco Rubio and Kash Patel? They are men of color and minorities in the Trump administration. Paul Meier
Wined and dined
Manhattan: Bill Maher is either a fool or a sycophant. As a long-time viewer of his show, I like his regular zings at Trump while positioning himself as a self-aware, non-dogmatic liberal. Then Trump won him over by a dinner invite. Touching power, Maher adoringly regaled his audience Friday night with glowing tales of how Trump is personable, attentive and funny, an authentic man in real life. I was wrong about Maher. For someone who does not suffer fools lightly, he was obviously deceived by a scripted show delivered smoothly by a con man with a proven record of lies, fraud, insincerity and cunning manipulation that would have made Ronald Reagan, the “Great Communicator,” blush. The shame and embarrassment is all on Maher, who should and does know better when he is not personally charmed by White House access and a fleeting moment of grandeur. Itai Sneh
Noble union
Bronx: Re “Michelle Obama finally addresses divorce speculation” (April 9): Ha! I applaud Michelle and Barack Obama. Under no circumstances was this woman going to set aside her core principles in the much-debated two instances and turn the other cheek to tolerate listening to and being in earshot of or within arms-length of an individual who disrespected her husband and threatened her children with his lies and rhetoric. Kudos to Barack. He knows who he married and respects the strong woman Michelle is. She has been vocal on how she feels about Trump. She took no oath on that dais, her husband did. She has been steadfast in her support of the Democratic Party and her husband’s political aspirations, and continues to be one of the exemplary first ladies of the U.S. Barack and Michelle cast their own shadows, whether standing together or apart. That is the hallmark of a strong marriage. Pamela Butler
Fatally flawed
Fort Lee: Andrew Cuomo should be facing 15,000 counts of negligent homicide, not running for NYC mayor. He is a major-league sleazebag, like most Democrats. Vincent L. Tripp
